Alcatel supplies Vialis with communication solution for rail network in Tanzania

Paris, 13 December 2005 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA e NYSE: ALA) today announced that it is deploying an end-to-end communication solution for the rail network of Vialis NMA, a Dutch supplier of high quality railway safety systems. With completion scheduled by the end of 2005, the project will upgrade the 400-kilometer railway track linking the country’s capital Dodoma to the city of Tabora, delivering the most advanced railway line in the country.

The solution of Vialis NMA regulates, secures and controls all train movements between the 21 stations along the track, offering extensive reporting functions and allowing optimization of internal railway multimedia communications between the engine driver and the central communications center. To ensure these mission-critical functions, Alcatel is deploying advanced optical transport and access networks, based on its data-aware Optical Multi-Service Node systems and 1511 Multiservice Business Access Multiplexer, which further enable reliable and real-time traffic transmission. Managed by the Alcatel 1350 management suite, the network will benefit from simplified monitoring and control of the information, greatly lowering Vialis’ network operating costs.

“A modern transportation service requires the ability to communicate with any train or traveller regardless of their geographical location,” said Arjan Förrer, Managing Director for Vialis NMA. “Alcatel’s comprehensive product portfolio offered the ideal choice for such an important project to our end-users, as it makes available highly reliable technologies to ensure business and service efficiency.”

“We are pleased to contribute to a project that will bring a significant improvement in the efficiency and reliability of transportation services” stated Michel Rahier, President of Alcatel’s fixed communications activities. “Our innovative transport control and automation solutions along with our leading expertise in optics and access technologies will support Vialis in marking a breakthrough in the way traffic is managed and services are delivered.”

The award further strengthens Alcatel’s track record in the management of complex projects that address the requirements for maximized operational efficiency, security and network intelligence in the transportation segment. Alcatel references include the National Road Telecommunications Services (NRTS) project for UK Highways, the Tarragona-Barcelona-France railway line for the Spanish Transport Ministry and the Shanghai new metro line for the Shanghai Government.

About Vialis
Vialis NMA supplies electrical components to rail. Signals, switch components, level-crossing protection and the like. Vialis also develops and implements entire systems for the rail market. Since 1879 Vialis NMA has been a manufacturer of high quality railway safety systems, characterized by high reliability and durability. The company has as its objective to be an innovative partner in its chosen market segment, in which it is a supplier of products, systems and services.
Since 15 October 2001, 70 % of NMA Railway Signaling has been owned by VolkerWessels N.V., which resulted in NMA Railway Signaling becoming part of the Vialis group of VolkerWessels
http://www.vialis.com

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks; applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.3 billion and 56,000 employees in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

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Régine Coqueran

Alcatel

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